Ghana’s Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta is known for his calm demeanour, so it is therefore not surprising that he did not catch the attention of the public when he joined the many dignitaries who attended the investiture of the new overlord of Dagbon.
Like everyone at that historic occasion, the choice of outfit was significant and as such the choice of what to wear was done with careful consideration.
We all know about President Akufo-Addo’s yellow handwoven Kurugu and smock as well as the handmade mugri but shall we focus on Ken Ofori Ofori Atta’s unique smock?
As expected from most of his public appearances, Ken Ofori Atta was clad in a bright white smock with a ‘coded’ inscription on it.
The white smock, which was handwoven and produced by SmockyWorld, had boldly written on it in red, “Dominus regit me nihil mihi deerit.”
The text is a Latin phrase, which translates as “the Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.”
Nana Addo’s yellow smock at Yaa-Naa’s investiture explained
President Akufo-Addo’s has also attracted wide commentary on social for his outfit to the investiture.
The president was dressed in a yellow handwoven smock with traditional northern trousers as a typical Takai dance outfit for the grand ceremony.
Underlying the yellow and leather boots was a strong message to the people of Dagbon in the Northern Region.
Akufo-Addo’s outfit was one typically worn by Takai dancers.
The pair of trousers is traditionally known as Kurugu.
Kurugu is sewn from several yards of fugu (smock) that reaches the ankle and comes out bulk.
The design of the Kurugu naturally gathers around the thighs of anyone who wears it.
The long handmade leather boots are traditionally known as Mugri. Mugri is a natural match to the Kurugu which is tucked into the boots.
The Kurugu, mugri and handwoven smock to match, are typically worn by royals or persons with high reputation in society, but can also be worn by anyone who can afford it. It is worn during festive occasions including the Damba festival.
Anyone in such attire is considered correctly dressed for the festive occasion, so it was just perfect for President Akufo-Addo to attend the inauguration dressed in it.
–
By: Jonas Nyabor | citinewsroom.com | Ghana
